Idaho (English)
Where does "Idaho" come from?
The name Idaho is of uncertain origin[1]. It has been suggested that the term stems from the Plains Apache word 'ídaahȩ́' meaning 'Comanche'[1]. Another persistent theory, popularized by the lobbyist George Maurice Willing, Jr. around 1860, claimed the word was a Shoshoni term for 'gem of the mountains', though no such native term exists and the claim is widely regarded as a fabrication[1]. The name saw early use in Colorado prior to 1860, and it was eventually applied to Idaho County in 1863, which itself was named after a steamship launched in 1860[1].
Open questions
- The potential connection to the Plains Apache word for Comanche remains undocumented. [1]
- The proposed Shoshoni origin is considered a fabrication by the lobbyist George Maurice Willing, Jr. [1]
Full etymology tree
- Idaho (English), 'A state in the western United States. Capital and largest city: Boise.'
- derived ídaahȩ́ (Plains Apache)
Descendants and derived words
- ID (English)
- ID (English)
- ID (English)
- ID (English)
- Idahoan (English)
- Idahoan (English)
- Idaho City (English)
- Idaho County (English)
- Idaho Falls (English)
- Idaho Springs (English)
- Idaho stop (English)
Sources
Updated August 2026
Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris